Performance of occupational roles of women in prison

Abstract

Introduction: This article discusses the occupational
characteristics of the roles of mother, worker, and
student among women deprived of their liberty at the
Medium Security Prison and Penitentiary for Women in
Bucaramanga. Objective: To explore the occupational
characteristics in the roles of incarcerated women.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative investigation with
a phenomenological design, which allowed for a deep
understanding of the women's characteristics. Ten semi
structured interviews were conducted, five of which were
applied to women who fulfilled the roles of both mother
and student, while the remaining were for women who
were mothers and worked within the prison. Results:
Despite being deprived of their liberty, women reported
that their relationship with their children is optimal,
feeling a greater sense of closeness while in prison
compared to being outside. However, there is no physical
contact with their children due to various factors, such as
their children living in other places, family members
separating them, or economic hardship. On the other
hand, the penitentiary offers educational and labor
related productive activities. Conclusions: Occupation
for incarcerated people (PPL) is relevant because it helps
mitigate negative thoughts related to confinement and
separation from their children. The various work
activities carried out in the Integrated Special
Educational Cycles (CLEI) provide valuable learning
and help in life projection.